Filmmaker sets sights on SXSW

While in school students are inspired to pursue different careers paths: doctors, lawyers, even teachers. Mike Hernandez, 27, former FSU student, has chosen to live his life one frame at a time. I actually got into filming after directing a theatre play in high school, the Miami native said. After the fun I had, I found it easier to do it with a camera than live. Plus being an avid film watcher if felt natural. Currently he has a film project that he recently finished shooting called I Was Here or I.Was.Here. The film takes place during a political war. Kaia, one of the main characters, awakens to find herself alone in a medical facility after a mysterious operation that she has no clue as to why or exactly what the operation was. All that she knows is that shes awake and that someone is pursuing her for some unknown reason. Hernandez plans to try his luck and enter his film in the South By Southwest film festival (SXSW). It's important for me get my film in the festival because it's a large scaled festival and it's a platform to really share our team's hard work with a large audience, he said. He also added that he has other goals beyond this film. God's willing , I want to be able to produce a season of follow up episodes that can touch upon the characters origins and futures in a more dynamic way and on a and deeper level, he said. It may sound unconventional but I would definitely compare my style to that of Fellowship Church with Pastor Ed Young, he said. They're amazingly creative as far as their shots, use of color and speed timing. I think that's my biggest influence. In terms of directing, however, I'd say Zack Snyder, who directed 300, Watchmen and Sucker Punch they have a much greater influence. By Randy Gricergrice@miamitimesonline.com